FSS Phyto-Biotics Agave

INCI: Glycerin & Agave Americana Leaf Extract & Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate

Use Levels: 1.0% - 10.0%

Solubility: Water Soluble

Appearance: Clear to Slightly Hazy, Yellow to Amber Liquid
pH (1% in Water): 4.0 - 6.5

The demand for stem cell technologies has grown exponentially in the last decade. Trending specifically in the cosmetic market, current stem cell technologies utilize Meristematic cells, non-differentiating plant stem cells from simple cell extracts, with no specific activity. To propel beyond the current offerings on the market, we opted to use biotic stress, embodied by the sustainable practice of co-culturing of plant stem cells with Lactobacillus, to promote the formation of secondary metabolites. This novel approach induces cellular differentiation and provides formulators with the ability to finely customize formulations, specify activity and skin benefits while offering brand distinction. Agave-themed personal care products capitalize on the specific activity of the probiotic compound, fructan, and phenolic compounds, like flavonoids, produced by the Agave Plant, to provide the cosmetic market with a plant-derived, stem cell ingredient designed to create brand differentiation. FSS Phyto-Biotics Agave incorporates the mechanisms employed by the agave in an ingredient to protect the skin from damage caused by increasingly intense and harmful surroundings.

Research shows that plant stem cells can slow skin aging by defending against extrinsic stress, keeping skin looking youthful, longer. This discovery opened the door in cosmetic stem cell research and provided technological advances in the cosmetic industry, as there are no ethical controversies over the use of plant stem cells in contrast to the use of embryonic stem cells. Phenolic, or secondary, metabolites are organic compounds that have no fundamental role in the maintenance of the life process of plants. However, these compounds are essential for the plant to interact with its environment, allowing for adaptation, defense and ultimately the ability to survive in less than ideal conditions.

Depletion of the ozone layer is an instant and hazardous environmental factor that directly results in harm to the skin. This gaseous layer is concentrated in the stratosphere, and it protects the earth from UV radiation by filtering out UV-B rays. This filtration is vital to human health, because UV-B radiation damages plants and animals’ DNA, which can lead to skin cancer, eye disease, and suppression of the immune system. As the earth continually grows warmer due to greenhouse gases trapping heat near the earth’s surface, the stratosphere receives less heat distribution, yielding lower temperatures in the ozone layer and accelerating ozone depletion. The agave’s remarkable ability to shield itself from environmental stressors such as these makes it an ideal natural defender against the sun and extreme heat. Through natural selection, organisms have learned to adapt to unfavorable conditions to survive in their environment. The agave has had to develop a tolerance to extreme temperature fluctuations. Generally speaking, to live in the desert organisms need to withstand searing heat from the sun during the day, and bone chilling temperatures at night. Desert-dwelling plants and animals face particularly arid conditions with a very limited water supply. The agave has adapted to thrive in such circumstances. It is resistant to fire, which is advantageous when living in hot and dry climates where other plants are prone to starting brush fires. The agave needs little moisture to survive and can withstand long periods of drought. It is understood that the carbohydrates in the agave are capable of binding to water thus store it for later use. Carbohydrates are often used in personal care products to increase hydration. Sugars are hygroscopic so they are capable of drawing moisture close to the skin where it is needed most.

Agave nectar contains high levels of fructose and glucose and also contains sucrose and poly-fructosans. In cosmetics, these sugars help to lock in moisture the same way they frugally store water reserves for the agave. Fructose is also imperative in stabilizing cell membranes against environmental stressors. It has the ability to prevent hemolysis, while helping to maintain the integrity of cell membranes. Fructose directly influences the ion channel activity of cell membranes, restricting or increasing the flow of particular ions into and out of cells as needed. By maintaining the correct balance of ions and stabilizing the membrane itself, fructose protects cells from dangers that may otherwise destroy them, including but not limited to damage caused extreme sun exposure. FSS Phyto-Biotics Agave capitalizes on the moisture binding properties of agave nectar to maximize epidermal hydration while stimulating collagen synthesis for optimal anti-aging benefits. Between these benefits and the ability to stabilize cell membranes, we can help to overcome the wide array of environmental factors that are a detriment to the health and beauty of our skin.

Shelf life: 12 months, properly stored, in sealed container. 

This product should be added to a formulation at the recommended usage rate.